Timepiece assembly for regulating organ provided with means for adjusting the movement

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece assembly for a timepiece regulating organ, said timepiece assembly (10) comprising a hairspring (25) comprising a flexible ribbon (2) wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon (2) having a predefined rigidity, the hairspring (25) comprising means for adjusting its rigidity, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the ribbon (2), the flexible element (5) connecting one end (4) of said ribbon (2) to a rigid support (17), the flexible element (5) preferably having a rigidity greater than that of the ribbon (2), the adjustment means comprising prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5), so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element (5), said timepiece assembly (10) comprising a stud holder (1) configured to suspend the hairspring (25),the stud holder (1) comprising a main body (30) connected to the flexible element (5), and a secondary body (33) connected to the prestressing means (6), the secondary body (33) being movable relative to the main body (30), characterized in that the secondary body (33) is connected to the main body (30) by a flexible guide (20). The invention also relates to a regulating member (10) comprising such a watch assembly (1).,

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a timepiece assembly for a regulating organ provided with rate adjustment means.

[0002] The invention also relates to a regulating organ comprising such a clockwork assembly. Technological background

[0003] Most modern mechanical watches are equipped with a sprung balance and a Swiss lever escapement mechanism. The sprung balance is the watch's time base. It is also called a resonator.

[0004] The exhaust, meanwhile, fulfills two main functions: maintain the resonator's back and forth movements; count these back and forth movements.

[0005] To build a mechanical resonator, you need an inertial element, a guide, and an elastic return element. Traditionally, a balance spring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element, which is a balance wheel. This balance wheel is guided in rotation by pivots that rotate in ruby ​​plain bearings.

[0006] The balance spring generally needs to be adjustable to improve the accuracy of a watch. To this end, means of adjusting the stiffness of the balance spring are used, such as a racket to change the effective length of the spring. Thus, its stiffness is modified to adjust the rate accuracy of the watch. However, the effect of a traditional racket to adjust the rate remains limited, and it is not always effective in making the adjustment sufficiently precise, on the order of a few seconds or a few tens of seconds per day.

[0007] Other hairsprings have integrated adjustment means. In these hairsprings, the rate is not adjusted by changing the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying a force or torque to a flexible element arranged in series with the hairspring. This allows the stiffness of the flexible element and therefore of the hairspring as a whole to be changed. Adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring makes it possible to adjust the rate of the regulating member. Such a hairspring with a flexible element is, for example, described in patent applications EP4009115 and CH0700385 / 2021.

[0008] In these cases, the usual systems cannot be used, as they are not compatible with the balance spring adjustment device. In addition, since the rate is to be adjusted very finely, it is essential that there is no play between the balance spring and its areas of interaction with the index assembly. Indeed, otherwise, there would be a risk of modifying the rate in the event of an impact, if the balance spring does not reposition itself in exactly the same way after the impact.

[0009] To use such a balance spring, a rack system has been described in patent applications EP22177059.7 and CH000678 / 2022. The rack system comprises a stud holder in two parts movable relative to each other, each part being provided with a stud on which the flexible element is mounted on the one hand, and the prestressing means acting on the flexible element on the other hand. Thus, by moving the two parts relative to each other, the force or torque applied to the flexible element is modified, in order to adjust the stiffness of the balance spring.

[0010] However, this system of adjustment is complex to implement. In addition, it takes up a significant amount of space on the regulating organ. Summary of the invention

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a timepiece assembly for a regulating organ provided with efficient and precise rate adjustment means.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece assembly for a timepiece regulating organ, said timepiece assembly comprising a hairspring comprising a flexible ribbon wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon having a predefined rigidity, the hairspring comprising means for adjusting its rigidity, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element arranged in series with the ribbon, the flexible element connecting one end of said ribbon to a rigid support, the flexible element preferably having a rigidity greater than that of the ribbon, the adjustment means comprising prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element, so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element, said timepiece assembly comprising a stud holder configured to suspend the hairspring, the stud holder comprising a main body connected to the flexible element, and a secondary body connected to the prestressing means,the secondary body being movable relative to the main body.,

[0013] The invention is remarkable in that the secondary body is connected to the main body by a flexible guide.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, adjustment means are obtained that are simpler to implement and with restricted dimensions. In fact, there is a stud holder comprising two bodies connected by a flexible guide. The main body is connected to the flexible element, while the secondary body is connected to the pre-stressing means. Thus, it is sufficient to modify the position of the secondary body relative to the main body to actuate the pre-stressing means and adjust the operation of the regulating member.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the pivot with crossed blades comprises two flexible blades connecting the main body to the secondary body.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible guide is configured to allow the secondary body to move substantially in a first direction D1, preferably circular.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible guide is arranged to prevent the secondary body from moving substantially in a second direction D2.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second direction D2 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a first stud on which the flexible element is mounted.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the secondary body comprises a second stud on which the prestressing means are mounted.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a lever connected to the flexible element.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the lever comprises a movable end along said first direction D1, the end being mounted on the second stud.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the timepiece assembly comprises an actuator for moving the secondary body relative to the main body.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a screw.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is a cam.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element comprises a flexible blade.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the torque or force is continuously adjustable by the prestressing means.

[0028] The invention also relates to a regulating organ, in particular for a watch movement, comprising such a watch assembly. Brief description of the figures

[0029] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading several embodiments given solely as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which: there Figure 1 schematically represents a perspective view from above of a timepiece assembly for a regulating organ according to an embodiment of the invention, the Figure 2 schematically represents a view from below of the clockwork assembly of the Figure 1 , there Figure 3 schematically represents a perspective view from below of the clockwork assembly of the Figure 1 , and the Figure 4 schematically represents a perspective view from above of a part of a regulating organ of the Figure 1 . Detailed description of the invention

[0030] THE figures 1 to 4 show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a timepiece assembly 10 comprising a stud holder 1 and a spiral spring 25 for a regulating organ intended to be arranged in a timepiece movement, not shown in the figures.

[0031] Such a clockwork movement comprises, for example, a plate provided with a housing for receiving the regulating organ, the regulating organ being provided with an inertial mass, and an elastic return element for the inertial mass configured to make it oscillate.

[0032] The regulating organ further comprises an annular balance 23 as inertial mass, a balance shaft 18 and a balance bridge, not shown in the figures. For example, the balance 23, the balance spring 25, and the balance bridge are superimposed from bottom to top.

[0033] The balance shaft is centered and passes through the center of the balance 23, the balance spring 25 and the balance bridge. The balance shaft 18 is held by two shock-absorbing bearings (not shown in the figures), which are arranged at both ends of the balance shaft 18. A first bearing, not shown in the figures, is arranged under the balance 23 and the balance bridge, and the second bearing is held by the balance bridge. The balance bridge is for example provided with a through hole, in which the second bearing is held. The stud holder 1 is for example mounted on the balance bridge and is arranged on the central axis of the balance shaft.

[0034] The hairspring 25 preferably extends substantially in one plane. The hairspring 25 comprises a flexible ribbon 2 wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon 2 having a predefined stiffness. The internal end 9 of the ribbon 2 comes from the same material or is assembled to a support 3, generally called a collet. The support 3 here has a substantially triangular shape, and is intended to be threaded around the balance shaft.

[0035] The spiral spring 25 further comprises means for adjusting its stiffness. For example, the adjustment means can be actuated by a user when the regulating member is mounted in the watch movement.

[0036] The adjustment means comprise a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, that is to say following the ribbon, preferably in its extension, the flexible element 5 connecting an external end 4 of said ribbon 2 to a rigid support 17. The flexible element 5 is integral with the external end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is an element different from the ribbon 2.

[0037] The flexible element 5 adds additional stiffness following that of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 preferably has a stiffness greater than that of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is here arranged in the extension of the strip 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the strip 2 are in one piece, or even formed from the same material, for example silicon.

[0038] The flexible element 5 of the spiral spring 25 comprises a first flexible blade 19, which extends from the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2, and is connected to the first flexible blade 19. The first flexible blade 19 is further connected to the rigid support 17.

[0039] The rigid support 17 has an L shape, a first branch 46 of the L serving as a connection with the first flexible blade 19, the second branch 47 of the L being oriented on the side opposite the first flexible blade 19 so that it can be assembled to the stud holder 1.

[0040] The spiral spring adjustment means 25 further comprise pre-stressing means 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. Thus, the stiffness of the spiral spring 1 can be adjusted. The torque or force is continuously adjustable by the pre-stressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not restricted to point values. Thus, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted with great precision.

[0041] The prestressing means 6 comprise a secondary flexible blade 21, arranged in the extension of the first flexible blade 19, on the other side of the external end 4.

[0042] The secondary flexible blade 21 is connected by the other end to a curved lever 14 bypassing the ribbon 2. The lever 14 is connected, in addition to the secondary flexible blade 21, to a semi-rigid structure 27 linked to the rigid support 17. The semi-rigid structure 27 deforms in part when the lever 14 is actuated by force or torque. The semi-rigid structure 27 comprises a flexible curved blade 28 joining the lever 14.

[0043] The force or torque is exerted on the free end 15 of the lever 14. Thus, the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the secondary flexible blade 21 and via the curved blade 28 of the semi-rigid structure 27, so as to modify the stiffness of the spiral spring 25.

[0044] The stud holder 1 is configured to suspend the spiral spring 25 and to allow the actuation of the adjustment means.

[0045] To this end, the stud holder 1 comprises a main body 30 intended to be mounted on the balance bridge, and to be connected to the flexible element 5.

[0046] The piton holder 1 further comprises a secondary body 33 movable relative to the main body 30. The secondary body 33 is connected to the prestressing means 6.

[0047] The main body 30 comprises a first stud 12 on which the flexible element 5 of the spiral spring 25 is mounted, while the secondary body 33 comprises a second stud 13 on which the end 15 of the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 is mounted.

[0048] The main body 30 comprises a central ring 29 and a first arm 31. The first stud is mounted on the first arm 31, preferably at its end.

[0049] The secondary body 33 comprises a protrusion 32 provided with an opening in which the second stud 13 is mounted. The protrusion 32 extends from the inside of the arc of the circle.

[0050] The first stud 12 and the second stud 13 extend perpendicular to the plane of the stud holder 1 to hold the spiral spring 25 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the stud holder 1.

[0051] Thus, by moving the secondary body 33 relative to the main body 2, the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 is actuated.

[0052] An actuator 7 is configured to move the secondary body 33 relative to the main body 30. Such an actuator 7 is for example a screw, or a cam (not shown in the figures), configured to apply a displacement force to the secondary body 33.

[0053] The screw is for example mounted on a support of the clockwork movement, not shown in the figures. The support is configured to allow the screw to move substantially in the direction D1.

[0054] The screw is directed in a first direction D1 of movement of the secondary body 33. Thus, when the screw is actuated, the secondary body 33 moves in this direction D1. The direction D1 is substantially circular.

[0055] Consequently, the end 15 of the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 moves substantially in the direction D1, and modifies the torque or force exerted on the flexible element 5, and therefore changes the rigidity and the operation of the regulating member.

[0056] According to the invention, the secondary body 33 is connected to the main body 30 by a flexible guide, which makes it possible to modify the position of the secondary body 33 relative to the main body 30, in particular in the first direction D1.

[0057] Furthermore, the flexible guide prevents the secondary body 33 from moving substantially in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1 of the end 15 of the lever 14 and of the actuator 7. Thus, the lever 14 is prevented from moving in this second direction D2, in particular to prevent the adjustment of the step from being distorted. The direction D2 is substantially radial.

[0058] Indeed, if the stud holder 1 and the spiral spring 25 move relative to the actuator 7, the friction of the contact between the actuator 7 and the stud holder 1 can cause a lateral movement of the lever 14, which causes a precision error in the adjustment of the step.

[0059] In this embodiment, the flexible guide 20 comprises a pivot with crossed blades connecting the main body 30 to the secondary body 33.

[0060] The secondary body 33 has the shape of an arc of a circle. The pivot with uncrossed blades is provided with two flexible blades 22, 24 moving away from each other, from the central ring 29 of the main body 30, to the secondary body 33, preferably at the ends of the secondary body 33.

[0061] Preferably, the two flexible blades 22, 24 have substantially the same length.

[0062] Thanks to the flexible guide 20, the secondary body 33 can move mainly in the first direction D1 which is substantially circular, but not in the second direction D2 which is substantially radial. Indeed, the flexible blades 22, 24 retain the secondary body 33 in this second direction D2, but they allow the lever to move in the first direction D1.

[0063] The invention also relates to a regulating organ, in particular for a watch movement. The regulating organ comprises an oscillating mass, and a watch assembly 10 as described previously.

[0064] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments of regulating members described with reference to the figures, and variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A timepiece assembly for a timepiece regulating organ, said timepiece assembly (10) comprising a hairspring (25) comprising a flexible ribbon (2) wound on itself in a plurality of turns, the ribbon (2) having a predefined rigidity, the hairspring (25) comprising means for adjusting its rigidity, the adjustment means comprising a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the ribbon (2), the flexible element (5) connecting one end (4, 9) of said ribbon (2) to a rigid support (17), the flexible element (5) preferably having a rigidity greater than that of the ribbon (2), the adjustment means comprising prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5), so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element (5), said timepiece assembly (10) comprising a stud holder (1) configured to suspend the hairspring (25), the stud holder (1) comprising a main body (30) connected to the flexible element (5),and a secondary body (33) connected to the prestressing means (6), the secondary body (33) being movable relative to the main body (30), , characterized in that the secondary body (33) is connected to the main body (30) by a flexible guide (20).

2. Timepiece assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible guide (20) comprises a pivot with crossed blades comprising two flexible blades (22, 24) connecting the main body (30) to the secondary body (33).

3. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible guide (20) is configured to allow the movement of the secondary body (33) substantially in a first direction (D1), preferably circular.

4. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe flexible guide (20) is arranged to prevent the movement of the secondary body (33) substantially in a second direction (D2).

5. Timepiece assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the second direction (D2) is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (D1).

6. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (30) comprises a first stud (12) on which the flexible element (5) is mounted.

7. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary body (33) comprises a second stud (13) on which the prestressing means (6) are mounted.

8. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) comprise a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5) for applying the variable force or torque.

9. Timepiece assembly according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the lever (14) comprises an end (15) movable in said first direction (D1), the end (15) being mounted on the second stud (13).

10. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an actuator (7) for moving the secondary body (33) relative to the main body (30).

11. Timepiece assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuator (7) is a screw.

12. Timepiece assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuator (7) is a cam.

13. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible element (5) comprises a flexible blade (19).

14. Timepiece assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe torque or force is continuously adjustable by the prestressing means (6).

15. Regulatory body, characterized in that it comprises a clock assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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